Located just north of Tokyo, Tochigi Prefecture offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, historical landmarks, and delicious regional cuisine. While it may often be overshadowed by the mega metropolis of Tokyo, Tochigi is a hidden gem with much to offer. From serene parks and ancient temples to internationally popular dishes and unique accommodations, Tochigi invites travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Here are 10 must-see attractions across the central, southern, and eastern regions of Tochigi.
One of Tochigi's most iconic locations, Ashikaga Flower Park in the city of Ashikaga is a captivating escape for any nature enthusiast. The park is best known for its stunning wisteria displays, which attract visitors from around the world each spring. From the middle of April to early May, the park’s wisteria comes into full bloom, creating an enchanting scene as the cascading flowers in shades of white, purple, and pink form a colorful canopy overhead. The park also boasts three magnificent wisteria trellises spanning 1,000 square meters, designated as a natural monument of Tochigi Prefecture. Additionally, visitors can admire a 160-year-old wisteria tree, walk through an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel, and explore Japan’s only yellow wisteria tunnel, with over 350 individual wisteria plants on display during the peak bloom. However, the park isn’t just a springtime attraction. In the colder months, Ashikaga Flower Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. During the annual illumination event, millions of LED lights adorn the park, creating a shimmering glow that highlights the intricate shapes of the wisteria trellises and brings an entirely new kind of beauty to the location. Whether you visit in the spring to see the wisteria in bloom or in winter to enjoy the spectacular light displays, Ashikaga Flower Park offers an unforgettable experience year-round, making it one of Japan’s most unique and captivating botanical gardens.
Located in the heart of Tochigi City, Ohirasan Prefectural Natural Park spans 1,079 hectares of scenic beauty, offering a year-round escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the scenic road that encircles Mt. Ohira becomes a tunnel of 4,000 gorgeous cherry trees, and starting from the end of June, approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants bloom on both sides of the 1,000 stone steps leading to Ohirasan Shrine. The Kenshin-daira Observatory near the summit offers a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain, and on winter mornings when the air is clear, you can even see Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Skytree.
With its seasonal charm and cultural events, such as the Ohirasan Cherry Blossom Festival, the park offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and outdoor activities, making it a peaceful retreat for all.
Roughly an hour by train from Tokyo and located just 700 meters from JR Ashikaga Station, Bannaji Temple is a historic treasure deeply connected to Japan's feudal-era past. Founded in 1197 during the Kamakura period by the powerful Ashikaga family, who would later go on to establish the Ashikaga Shogunate, the temple was originally a mansion of the Ashikaga clan. Alongside Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, it is one of the most notable places where visitors can experience the old Japanese atmosphere of the Kamakura period. Today, the temple’s main hall is a national treasure and remains a symbol of the Ashikaga clan’s legacy.
In addition to the main temple hall, which is a national treasure, many other historical buildings on the temple grounds, including the Bell Tower and Issaikyoudo Hall, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Other structures designated by Tochigi Prefecture, such as the East Gate, West Gate, Niomon Gate, Tahoto Pagoda, Otamaya, and the Taikobashi Bridge, are also recognized. In addition to the temple structures, many priceless treasures from the temple's long history are still preserved on-site, including sculptures, documents, and various arts and crafts. In fact, the main hall and the Bell Tower have remained unchanged since the Kamakura period.
Located in Utsunomiya City, the Oya History Museum and Oya Temple offer a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. The Oya History Museum is built on the site of the Oya Stone Quarry, which was used for various construction purposes. The vast underground space is the museum's main feature, overwhelming visitors with its enormity, stretching 30 meters below the ground, and the beauty of its natural stone. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the history of stone quarrying in the area, including the mining techniques used for Oya stone and its history. Oya Temple, constructed in 810 and located near the Oya History Museum, is a unique and mystical place, constructed in a manner that makes it appear to be embraced by natural caves. Inside the temple's main hall, you'll find 10 beautiful Buddhist statues carved into the natural rock walls that have been designated as a National Special Historic Site and an Important Cultural Property. With its peaceful gardens and historical significance, Oya Temple is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, making it a must-see for those interested in history and nature.
With over 170 years of history dating back to the Edo period, Shimazaki Sake Brewery is a unique sake brewery located in Nasukarasuyama City. The brewery’s most distinctive feature is its use of an underground cave from a former factory to age its sake during sake production. This cave maintains a constant temperature and is an ideal environment for storing and aging sake, allowing Shimazaki Sake Brewery to produce richly flavored, aged sake that cannot be made in any other brewery. About 100,000 bottles of sake are stored in this 600-meter-long space. Visitors to the brewery can also use a multilingual audio guide app to tour the caves and learn about its history and this ancient, unique technique. The slow fermentation process, combined with the cool cave air, imparts a distinctive depth and smoothness to the sake. As a result, the brewery has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a rare and authentic sake experience.
A short drive from Utsunomiya lies a town that is a haven for pottery lovers: Mashiko. Famous for a rustic style of pottery known as Mashiko-yaki, Mashiko has been a central hub in the world of ceramic craftsmanship for over 150 years. The main street, Jonaizaka Street, runs approximately 500 meters east from the Jonaizaka intersection, which is about a 15-minute walk from Mashiko Station. On either side of the easily walkable street are cafes and galleries, as well as about 30 stores selling Mashiko's unique style of pottery. Jonaizaka Street’s serene atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for strolling through pottery galleries and shops, where you can admire a variety of handmade ceramics. For an even deeper cultural experience, visitors can try their hand at pottery making in one of the town’s many pottery workshops, allowing anyone to connect with Mashiko’s tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.
No visit to Tochigi is complete without trying the city’s signature dish: Utsunomiya Gyoza. Known as the gyoza capital of Japan, Utsunomiya offers a wide array of restaurants offering these crispy, savory dumplings filled with pork, garlic, vegetables, and other ingredients. Utsunomiya gyoza is known for its variety, with each shop presenting its own distinctive version of this local favorite, featuring variations in both the thickness of the skin and the ingredients used. Utsunomiya gyoza is an unmissable culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Another one of Tochigi’s culinary gems is Sano Ramen—a regional ramen style known for its light yet flavorful broth, made by simmering chicken and pork bones together. Typically, one of the hallmarks of Sano Ramen is its handmade noodles, which are pressed in the traditional way using bamboo. This technique results in slightly uneven, curly noodles that have small air pockets inside, giving them a unique texture. The noodles cook quickly and have a firm, chewy bite with a rich wheat flavor that pairs perfectly with the broth. The uneven shape helps the noodles absorb more of the broth, creating a satisfying combination of texture and flavor in each bite. Usually topped with green onions, garlic, and tender slices of pork, this bowl of ramen offers a comforting taste of Tochigi’s food culture. Sano Ramen is a beloved dish amongst both locals and visitors alike, making it a must-try when visiting the region.
Located in the town of Motegi, Mobility Resort Motegi offers a unique mixture of motorsport thrills and family fun. This world-class motorsport facility was established by Honda in 1997 and hosts exciting races year-round, attracting both motorsport fans and families alike. The resort features a range of accommodations, from cozy hotels to fun glamping sites, making it perfect for any type of traveler. In addition to witnessing thrilling high-speed races, families can explore a museum showcasing the history of Honda. Furthermore, racing carts are available for both children and adults, along with car and motorcycle attractions and other physical activities suitable for children as young as 3 years old. With thrilling events and a family-friendly atmosphere, Mobility Resort Motegi provides a memorable getaway that combines excitement and relaxation for everyone.
Located in Nakagawa Town, Iizukatei is a hotel that was renovated from a centuries-old Tangible Cultural Property that dates back 200 years. The hotel skillfully blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern furniture and amenities, creating a unique space that fuses the charms of the past with contemporary comforts. The hotel offers three apartment-style rooms, each featuring fully equipped living rooms and kitchens. Guests can choose between the main residence, which includes modern facilities, and two new residences that incorporate traditional Japanese architectural elements. The living room, with a sofa, and the dining room, with a fully equipped kitchen, provide a comfortable space for relaxation, even during extended stays. Additionally, three guest rooms, fully renovated from a warehouse, are available. These loft-style rooms are ideal for small groups or shorter stays. Additionally, the hotel also offers unique experiences such as dinner at a local farmer’s house, as well as other regional activities, making it a perfect destination not only as a place to spend the night but also for those who want to immerse themselves in the town's culture and natural beauty.
Please contact the U.S. Representative of Tochigi Prefecture for more information on making Tochigi your next travel destination.
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